The Calgary Flames entered Saturday night’s game against the Nashville Predators missing a couple key pieces, namely captain Mark Giordano and two-way center Mikael Backlund. But playing against a similarly depleted Predators roster, the Flames merely stuck to their game-plan, relied on their depth, and grinded out a 5-2 victory over Nashville.

A highly-touted Calgary Flames prospect has a milestone early in the Flames’ Saturday night match-up with the Nashville Predators. Defender Oliver Kylington scored his first NHL goal just 1:12 into the first period.

Under most circumstances, the Calgary Flames (18-9-2, 38 points) hosting the Nashville Predators (19-9-1, 39 points) would be seen as a measuring stick game pitting the Pacific Division’s best team against the Central’s. Instead, it’ll be a test of the Flames’ intestinal fortitude as they face a whole lot of adversity at the same time.

With Mikael Backlund and Michael Frolik injured and Ryan Lomberg suspended, the Flames have found themselves shorthanded for the busy weekend ahead. This morning, they’ve recalled centre Alan Quine from the Stockton Heat.

Make no mistake: Mikael Backlund is a devastating loss for the Flames, and one perhaps made all the worse by the fact that, unlike with Mark Giordano and his suspension, there may not be a clear timetable for his return.